STEM ACTIVITIES
SPARK CURIOSITY
Explore a range of hands‑on STEM challenges inspired by the SS Great Britain and the famous engineering family, the Brunel’s. From scientific investigations to engineering feats, dive into activities that spark curiosity and creativity.
Fold and launch a paper sailing ship. How fast can you get it to glide across a table?
Build a timeline charting the key moments in the ship’s remarkable life.
Investigate how metal reacts with water and discover the science behind corrosion.
Construct a paper model of Brunel’s pioneering hospital ward using a fold‑out net.
Try your hand at engineering! Design a bridge capable of crossing the Avon Gorge, just as Brunel once did.
Explore the principles of buoyancy and learn how even giant iron ships stay afloat.
Learn how plants were kept alive on long voyages, then build your own mini‑ecosystem.
Create and use your own sextant to measure latitude, the perfect device for stargazing and navigation.
Millions of people visited the Great Exhibition of 1851, it was the world’s first international showcase of industry, technology, and design. If an exhibition were held today, what modern invention or piece of technology would you choose to exhibit?
Draw and label a plant just like a Victorian botanist travelling on the SS Great Britain.
Bake your own traditional ship’s biscuit. (Be warned… sailors ate it for practicality, not flavour!)
Craft a Victorian optical‑illusion toy and discover the science of persistence of vision.
Create your own shadow‑puppet characters and put on a storytelling performance.
Rats were a constant problem at sea. Design a humane trap to help clear the decks!
Art & Design Activities
Try these resources at home, in the classroom, or before your visit—download, make, and let your imagination set sail.